# Simon Harmer Criticizes Inequality in International Test Cricket Scheduling South African spinner highlights financial and structural disparities affecting Test match opportunities. - **Source:** [Wisden](https://www.wisden.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b1497ca2-6e58-423b-ac2b-b3e012394b62 ## Scheduling Disparity Concerns South African spinner Simon Harmer has publicly criticized the current structure of international Test cricket. He argues that the scheduling creates an unfair imbalance, favoring the so-called Big Three nations—Australia, England, and India. These countries frequently engage in five-match Test series, while other nations are often restricted to shorter, two-match contests. ## Financial Drivers of Inequality Harmer points out that financial considerations dictate the current cricket calendar. Governing bodies rely heavily on revenue generated from matches against India to balance their four-year budgets. Consequently, England and Australia secure more frequent and longer series against India, leaving other nations like South Africa with fewer high-profile opportunities to compete. ## South Africa's Recent Performance Despite the scheduling challenges, South Africa has demonstrated significant dominance on the field. Since January 2024, the team has lost only one Test series, which occurred against New Zealand when they fielded a second-string side. This success highlights their competitive strength despite receiving fewer opportunities to play longer, more prestigious series. ## Historical Context of Series The frequency of longer Test series for South Africa has declined sharply over the years. The nation last participated in a four-Test series during the 2019-20 season against England. Since that time, they have played fifteen series consisting of only two matches, with only four assignments featuring three matches in total. ## The Need for Normality Harmer advocates for a shift toward more consistent and longer home summers for South African cricket. He suggests that hosting eight to ten Tests during a single summer should be considered the standard rather than an extraordinary occurrence. He believes this consistency is essential for the team to gain proper global recognition. ## Addressing External Criticism The off-spinner expressed frustration regarding critics who downplayed South Africa's recent World Test Championship achievements. Detractors often cited an easier path to the final due to the team not facing specific opponents. Harmer remains determined to prove their status as the best team by winning more trophies and series. ## Responsibility to Future Generations Harmer emphasizes that the current squad carries a significant responsibility to build a legacy for the next generation of South African cricketers. By maintaining their high performance over the last 18 to 24 months, the players aim to ensure that future teams benefit from the respect and standing they are currently earning. ## Path Toward Global Recognition Ultimately, Harmer believes the only way to overcome systemic scheduling biases is through continued excellence on the pitch. By consistently winning, the team intends to force the global cricket community to acknowledge their quality. They must continue to perform at a high level to secure their rightful place in world cricket. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/we-should-be-allowed-to-play-more-simon-harmer-questions-test-crickets-scheduling-imbalance — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._